Spain is set to face an extremely difficult German team in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Luis De La Fuente’s side will be intensely preparing his side to challenge the host nations.
La Roja’s record against the hosting nation in international tournaments has been poor. Spain has not been able to defeat any host nation they’ve faced over the years. This year is an opportunity to break that Jinx. However, they are playing no ordinary host nations. They are playing the European Giants, Germany.
Germany on the other hand will also be very wary of Spain. This knowing they are one of the best teams of the tournament. Julian Nagelsmann will be hoping his side contains the fast-paced, and midfield-dominating Spanish side.
Team Spain
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Over the space of 16 years in major tournaments, Spain has been able to play Germany 3 times. Twice in the World Cup, and once in the Euros. However, they successfully won 2 and drew 1.
They won the Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup, even though they were a narrow win. Moreover, the victory was pivotal to their success in winning the two tournaments aftermath.
As it stands things looked to have changed. The majority of the Spanish players who had participated in those 3 tournaments had retired. Now it’s a new breed of Spanish talent.
Spain has been known to play possession-based football, over the years. Wherein they dominate the midfield, to frustrate the opponent’s defense. This in return allows space for through balls that lead to a goal-scoring chance.
However, things looked to have changed with De la Fuente’s side. Nevertheless, possession football is still maintained. The Spanish coach introduced aggressive fast-paced wingers to give the opponents more things to think about.
With the likes of Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams, this allowed a more hybrid form of playing pattern. While they could maintain possession of the football, they could also instigate direct attacks with the wait at a quick pace. Crosses, cutbacks, cut-ins, and curlers are the possible outcomes of such play. Spain also makes use direct counter when off the ball, and blistering outside shots.
So far the outcome of such a pattern has deemed them as one of the most outstanding teams of the tournament.
Luis De La Fuente will be hoping his side drops out with the best performance of the tournament to overcome the Germans.
Team Germany
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Germany is considered as part of the Euro 2024 tournament favorites. The German team is also unbeaten in the tournament, having played impressive football. However, unlike Spain which has had an all-around excellent display, they’ve had some edgy games.
Their games against Switzerland and Denmark had them on their heels throughout. Germany managed to outwit them. Spain obviously will be much more different, and even more problematic for them. Julian Nagelsmann will be hoping his side unleashes a spectacular display.
Germany however is known for direct-end football and high pressing energetic style. Whilst having quick and dangerous players, they also have great passers of the ball that could turn the game around.
The likes of Musiala and Wirtz are players who could harm the Spanish defense on the attack. Also, Nagelsmann will lean off the likes of Gundogan and Kroos in the midfield. This is to help them balance the game, alongside good passing where it’s needed.
One aspect where Nagelsmann will lean on punishing Spain is the area of experience. The Germans possess older players who have played more tournaments. This could help in crucial periods of the game. Nonetheless, it could also be a minus if care is not taken. This is especially true with the energetic nature of the Spanish team.
Predictions
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The clash of the two Titans would be a worthy game never to be missed. Both teams are expected to put out a strong challenge. Experience will also be a crucial determinant factor from both ends. However, what could be more important is the winning desire. It’s a game that’s likely going to lean towards the team with the most hunger for victory.
Both teams looked to be heavily stacked with both experience and talent. But one must prevail. The two teams also look to match each other on paper, even with previous form. With this fact, there are likely chances that the normal 90 minutes won’t be enough to settle the score.
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